‘Plain Jane Bandit’ Robs 8th Bank In Two Weeks

CERRITOS (CBSLA.com) — A female bank robbery suspect known as the “Plain Jane Bandit” has robbed her sixth bank in eight attempts over the last two weeks.

The latest heist occurred when the unidentified woman targeted a Chase branch at 11900 South Street in Cerritos shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, where CBS2’s Joy Benedict reports customers are not only concerned about their safety, but also their finances.

“Everybody’s money is important,” said bank patron Susan Oh. “If somebody came and took that away, it’s not fair, it’s not good for everybody.”

The newest images of the suspect confirm a description given by authorities since the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) first alerted the public on July 24.

Over the last 20 days, “Plain Jane” has hit banks across three Southland counties, with actual robberies in Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, Moreno Valley, Buena Park, Wildomar and now Cerritos.

She has also attempted robberies in Moreno Valley and Downey.

Witnesses say the suspect is a Latina woman between 5’3″ and 5’5″ tall, about 160 pounds, and appears to be in her mid- to late-30s. She reportedly uses notes and verbal commands to demand cash from tellers and even claims to have an accomplice waiting outside the branch.

Authorities also said witnesses have reported a scar near her right eye and a possible tattoo on her right shoulder.

While investigators said no accomplice has yet to be seen and no weapons has been shown or mentioned, the public is being warned to assume she has both.

Anyone with information on the suspect or any of the robberies is urged to contact the FBI.